Construction sites in Wisconsin present numerous hazards that contribute to workplace injuries and fatalities each year. According to industry data, the construction sector consistently ranks among the most dangerous industries in the state, with falls from heights, struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents (the "Fatal Four") accounting for the majority of serious injuries. Wisconsin's construction industry, which employs over 120,000 workers statewide, faces particular challenges with seasonal work demands that can lead to rushed projects and safety shortcuts. For injured workers and their families, understanding the scope of construction accidents is crucial when pursuing personal injury claims, as these incidents often result in severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, lost wages, and sometimes permanent disability. Beyond workers' compensation benefits, third-party liability claims may be available when equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, or property owners contribute to unsafe conditions.

Common types of construction accidents:

• Falls from heights (scaffolding, roofs, ladders, and unprotected edges)
• Struck-by incidents (falling objects, moving equipment, or swinging materials)
• Electrocutions (contact with power lines, exposed wiring, or faulty equipment)
• Caught-in/between accidents (trench collapses, equipment pinch points, or material crushing)
• Equipment accidents (crane failures, forklift rollovers, or excavator incidents)
• Slip, trip and fall accidents (uneven surfaces, debris, or poor housekeeping)
• Chemical exposures and toxic substances (asbestos, lead, silica dust, or hazardous chemicals)
• Explosions and fires (gas leaks, flammable materials, or hot work near combustibles)

Legal Rights and Considerations

Wisconsin law provides several avenues for construction accident victims seeking compensation. While the state's workers' compensation system offers no-fault benefits covering medical expenses and partial wage replacement (typically capped at two-thirds of the worker's average weekly wage), these benefits may be insufficient for catastrophic injuries. Wisconsin's comparative negligence statute (Wis. Stat. § 895.045) allows injured parties to recover damages even when partially at fault, provided their negligence doesn't exceed the defendant's. The state's statute of limitations (Wis. Stat. § 893.54) generally allows three years to file personal injury lawsuits. Potential compensation may include economic damages (medical expenses, lost earnings) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering), though Wisconsin caps non-economic damages in certain cases. Construction accident victims should note that multiple insurance policies—including general liability, professional liability, and umbrella policies—may provide coverage depending on the circumstances. An experienced Wisconsin construction accident lawyer(link is external) will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Construction accidents can cause a wide range of serious injuries. lick the links below to get information on legal claims from attorneys with experience in your type of injury including:

• Wisconsin spine injury attorney(link is external)
• Wisconsin brain injury lawyer(link is external)
• Wisconsin neck injury attorney(link is external)
• Wisconsin fracture injury attorney(link is external).

Related Resources

Relevant Local Courts

• Wisconsin Circuit Courts (county-level courts handling personal injury claims)
• Wisconsin Court of Appeals
• Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Division

Support Services for Accident Victims

• Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (Worker's Compensation Division)
• Wisconsin Safety Council
• Brain Injury Alliance of Wisconsin
• Spinal Cord Injury Association of Wisconsin

Links to State Laws and Regulations

• Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (Construction Safety Regulations)
• Wisconsin Administrative Code (Chapter SPS 332: Public Employee Safety and Health)
• Wisconsin State Legislature (Workers' Compensation Act)
• Wisconsin Department of Transportation (Construction Site Safety Guidelines)

Return to the Wisconsin workplace injury information page